Affordable Care Act FAQs

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

The ACA, sometimes called Obamacare, is a federal law that was created to make health benefits better and more accessible.

Can health benefit companies turn me down for a pre-existing condition?

No. The Affordable Care Act makes it illegal to deny coverage or charge more to someone based on a pre-existing health condition or issue.

What is a health plan Marketplace?

Also called an Exchange, a health plan Marketplace is an online hub where you can buy affordable health coverage.

In Alaska, Oregon and Texas, you can buy a medical and dental plan on the federal Marketplace, HealthCare.gov. In Idaho you can buy a medical and dental plan on the state marketplace, YourHealthIdaho.org. Moda Health and Delta Dental also offer a variety of individual and family plans to fit your needs.

What is an advanced premium tax credit (APTC)?

This is a type of federal financial assistance. You can use a tax credit to help pay for your medical plan if you qualify. You must apply for this assistance through HealthCare.gov or YourHealthIdaho.org. Qualification is based on household size, income and location before you enroll in a plan.

Am I eligible for a tax credit?

Visit your health insurance marketplace (the exchange) to see if you qualify for lower cost premiums. We want to make sure you have all the information to help you make the best choice for you. Some Affordable Care Act health insurance tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2025, unless they are extended by federal legislation. This means the amount of financial help you receive to pay for your premiums may be reduced or eliminated. You can visit the Marketplace to get the most up-to-date information on 2026 subsidies. If you do enroll on the exchange, consider a Moda plan. If you do not qualify for financial assistance, please return here to enroll directly.

Do I have to buy my plan on the Marketplace?

You don't have to buy a health plan on HealthCare.gov or YourHealthIdaho.org unless you qualify for federal financial assistance. If you do qualify for assistance and want to use it, you must enroll through HealthCare.gov or YourHealthIdaho.org.

Can I enroll directly through Moda Health and still use financial assistance?

If you enroll directly through us without visiting HealthCare.gov or Yourhealthidaho.org you won’t be able to use federal financial assistance. Shop our plans and we’ll send you to HealthCare.gov or YourHealthIdaho.org so you can apply for assistance and use it to lower your health plan costs.